Why I Don’t Recommend Layering Products (Even Though I Sell More Than One)

Let’s get this out of the way: just because I offer multiple skincare products doesn’t mean I think you need to use them all at once. In fact, I’d rather you didn’t.

At FATSKN, everything I make is designed to stand on its own. Each formula is complete—intentional, nutrient-dense, and meant to be used instead of something else, not in addition to five other steps. I’m not here to complicate your routine or sell you on the idea that more is more. I’m still a minimalist. I’m just giving you options.

Layering Doesn’t Equal Better

Skincare marketing has trained us to believe that layering is sophisticated. Serums first, moisturizers second, maybe a mist in between—don’t forget the eye cream, and definitely not without a toner, right?

But your skin doesn’t need a stack of products to thrive. In fact, when you pile them on, you're not always getting additive benefits—you might be creating conflicts, overload, or just wasting product. Your skin can only absorb so much at one time. And when formulas are already whole and balanced (like mine), adding more isn’t going to enhance their performance. It can actually dilute the effect, confuse your skin, or worse—cause irritation or imbalances over time.

Active Ingredients Don’t Always Play Nice

This is where things get a little trickier. When you start mixing products with active ingredients—especially without really understanding how they work or what they interact with—you’re rolling the dice.

Take copper peptides and niacinamide as a good example. Both are beloved in skincare for different reasons: copper peptides support skin repair and firmness, while niacinamide helps with barrier function, brightness, and oil regulation. But when layered together, they can chelate—meaning they bind to each other and cancel each other out. That’s not just unproductive—it’s a waste of both your time and your money.

And that’s just one combo. Many actives can interfere with each other’s function, or even increase sensitivity when layered—think strong acids, retinoids, or anything exfoliating. If you're layering multiple active-laden products and noticing redness, dryness, or inflammation, your skin might be asking for a simpler routine, not stronger ingredients.

Less Is Still More

I started FATSKN on the principle that real skin health doesn’t come from overloading your face with products. It comes from supporting the body as a whole—what you eat, how you sleep, how much sun you get, and yes, what you put on your skin. But just like you don’t need three different breakfasts to be nourished, your skin doesn’t need a cocktail of products to be cared for.

Each FATSKN formula is whole and supportive on its own. You don’t need to layer them for them to “work.” If you’re drawn to a specific one—Copper, Frankincense, Fatbaby—it’s okay to just use that one and call it a day (or night). If your skin needs change with the seasons, or you’re cycling through based on feel, that’s totally fine too. Rotate when it makes sense. Don’t stack just because you can.

More Products, Not More Steps

I know it might seem contradictory—I have multiple products, but I’m telling you not to use them all at once. But here’s the thing: having more options doesn’t mean I want you to complicate your life. It just means you have choices.

You don’t eat the same meal every day, but that doesn’t mean every meal needs five courses. Same idea. I’m not selling you on a system where you need all the products to see results. I’m offering a lineup where each one can stand alone, meet a specific need, and be trusted to support your skin in its own way.

So no, I don’t recommend layering—not because it’s “bad” or forbidden, but because there’s simply no need to. When a product is made with intention, it does enough on its own.

Trust Your Skin (And Simplify)

If you’re someone who loves rituals, I get it. Skincare can feel like self-care, and adding steps can feel luxurious. But luxury isn’t about quantity. It’s about quality. It’s about knowing the ingredients in your jar are doing real work, not just filling up shelf space or routines.

I want you to get to the point where you look at your skin and feel like you don’t need more. That’s the goal. That’s the kind of freedom I’m trying to offer with FATSKN—options that don’t ask more of your time, your money, or your skin barrier.

So go ahead—choose the product that feels right. Use one. Let it breathe. Let it do its thing. Your skin doesn’t need a crowd. Just one good thing at a time.

 

xo Caitlin

 

Disclaimer: 
This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new health protocol.